The Suffolk market town of Framlingham has gained global recognition over the last few years. However, the town had steadily been growing in popularity as a spot to visit long before it was used as the inspiration for the song Castle on the Hill.
Here’s our list of things to do in Framlingham…
From its rich history to present-day attractions, there is something for everyone to discover in Framlingham.
Food and Drink
Something sweet
Simply surrounding Market Hill alone is a great selection of options to suit most tastes. One of the newest occupants of the area is Dust with Cocoa, a charming little coffee shop with an incredible selection of sweet treats. The selection changes daily, as everything is baked fresh, but they regularly update their Instagram page in advance as to what will be on offer. A perfect stop for a quick refuel before more exploring!
Something classic
More of a long-standing feature around the market square is The Crown. A hotel and restaurant, you can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner at. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy a classic dish in a classic setting, complete with exposed wooden beams.
Something continental
For something, a bit more Continental, Watson & Walpole serves up authentic Italian cuisine, along with a great selection of Italian wines to accompany your meal, in a sleek setting. During the summer months, it is also definitely worth visiting their ice cream shop, just around the corner, for some delicious gelato. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a walk around the castle in the sunshine.
Shopping
Framlingham can boast a great selection of independent, boutique shops, sure to cater for all shopping tastes. Long-standing residents of the area include the gift shop Panorama (which fans of the TV show The Detectorists may recognise), second-hand bookshop Framlingham Bookshop, Phoebe and Flo, for locally sourced gifts and homewares, and Toby’s Pet Shop.
The pandemic hasn’t stopped new businesses from arriving in the area either. Hart Healing Kitchen caters for the eco-conscious with an excellent range of ethically and sustainably sourced pampering treats. For home lovers, Narwhal Interiors has a vast and unique collection to help decorate your home, whatever your style.
Things to see
For a town that was recorded in the 1086 Doomsday Book, you can expect to find plenty of history surrounding your visit. The main site of interest for the town is Framlingham Castle. The 12th-century fortress is now owned by the National Trust and you can book tickets through them to explore inside the castle and walk the wall. The wall offers some incredible views of the surrounding countryside. It is worth taking a walk around the outside of the walls too, which is free and makes an excellent dog walk.
The castle was where Mary Tudor gathered her forces in preparation for her march on London to take the throne in 1553. But it isn’t the only Tudor connection to Framlingham. The town was the family seat of the Howard family, major players in the power dynamic of the Tudor court. In St. Michael’s Church, you can find the tombs of some of the key figures of the family, as well as the tomb of Henry Fitzroy, the bastard son of Henry VIII, who married into the Howard family. The church is open for visitors, so you can go and see these for yourself, (just make sure there isn’t a service in progress!).
An interesting historical site can be found in a residential garden. If you’re not aware that it’s there, then you might just walk straight past without taking any notice. In the garden of Tomb House, on Station Road, you can see the tomb of Thomas Mills, a key figure in Framlingham history. But it is not just Thomas Mills buried here. His “faithful servant” was also buried here when he passed away ten years later. The tomb is visible from the path, so you don’t need to worry about wandering into anyone’s garden to view it!
This is just a snippet of what you can experience and things to do in Framlingham. It’s amazing how much can be seen and done over such a small area, but there is still much more to explore. Have you already been to Framlingham? What was your favourite part?